London is the capital of England and the United Kingdom. It is divided into 32 London boroughs along with the historic City of London, which together make up Greater London. Each borough has its own local council, unique neighborhoods, attractions, and cultural identity.
Whether you’re planning a visit, relocating, studying geography, or simply looking for a complete list of boroughs and areas in London, this guide includes the full alphabetical list, Inner and Outer London boroughs, and answers to common questions.
List of boroughs and areas in London in alphabetical order
- Barking and Dagenham
- Barnet
- Bexley
- Brent
- Bromley
- Camden
- Croydon
- Ealing
- Enfield
- Greenwich
- Hackney
- Hammersmith and Fulham
- Haringey
- Harrow
- Havering
- Hillingdon
- Hounslow
- Islington
- Kensington and Chelsea
- Kingston upon Thames
- Lambeth
- Lewisham
- Merton
- Newham
- Redbridge
- Richmond upon Thames
- Southwark
- Sutton
- Tower Hamlets
- Waltham Forest
- Wandsworth
- Westminster
List of Outer London boroughs
The 20 Outer London boroughs surround Inner London and are generally more residential, offering larger parks, suburban neighborhoods, and family-friendly communities. Here are the 20 Outer London boroughs as defined by the London Government Act 1963 in alphabetical order
- Barking and Dagenham
- Barnet
- Bexley
- Brent
- Bromley
- Croydon
- Ealing
- Enfield
- Greenwich
- Harrow
- Havering
- Hillingdon
- Hounslow
- Kingston upon Thames
- Merton
- Newham
- Redbridge
- Richmond upon Thames
- Sutton
- Waltham Forest
List of 12 Inner London boroughs
Here are the 12 Inner London boroughs, established by the London Government Act 1963 in alphabetical order
- Camden
- Greenwich
- Hackney
- Hammersmith and Fulham
- Islington
- Kensington and Chelsea
- Lambeth
- Lewisham
- Southwark
- Tower Hamlets
- Wandsworth
- Westminster
Difference Between Boroughs and Areas in London
This section targets a common search intent
| Borough | Area |
|---|---|
| Administrative district | Neighborhood or locality |
| Has a local council | Does not have its own council |
| 32 boroughs | Hundreds of areas |
Example:
Westminster = Borough
Soho = Area
Camden = Borough
Camden Town = Area
Chelsea = Area
Kensington and Chelsea = Borough
Most Popular Areas in London
Instead of only discussing boroughs, include popular areas:
Soho
Known for theatres, restaurants, nightlife, and shopping.
Covent Garden
Famous for street performers, shopping, and historic markets.
Notting Hill
Best known for colorful houses, Portobello Road Market, and the annual carnival.
Canary Wharf
London’s modern financial district with skyscrapers, shopping, and waterfront views.
Shoreditch
Popular for street art, cafés, creative businesses, and nightlife.
This section helps you rank for “areas in London.”
Borough Comparison Table
| Borough | Region | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Camden | Inner London | Markets & Music |
| Westminster | Inner London | Government & Landmarks |
| Greenwich | Outer London | Maritime History |
| Richmond upon Thames | Outer London | Parks & Riverside |
| Kensington and Chelsea | Inner London | Luxury Shopping |
| Tower Hamlets | Inner London | Canary Wharf |
Interesting Facts
- London has 32 boroughs, plus the historic City of London, which has its own unique administration.
- Westminster is home to many of the UK’s most famous government buildings.
- Camden attracts millions of visitors every year with its markets and music scene.
- Richmond upon Thames is known for Richmond Park and its deer.
- Greenwich is where the Prime Meridian (Longitude 0°) passes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many boroughs are there in London?
Greater London consists of 32 boroughs, plus the historic City of London, which is administered separately.
Which are the Inner London boroughs?
There are 12 Inner London boroughs, including Camden, Westminster, Islington, Lambeth, Southwark, and Tower Hamlets.
Which are the Outer London boroughs?
Outer London includes 20 boroughs, such as Barnet, Bromley, Croydon, Ealing, Hounslow, Richmond upon Thames, and Sutton.
Is the City of London a borough?
No. The City of London is a separate historic administrative area and is not one of the 32 London boroughs.
Which borough is best for tourists?
Westminster, Camden, Kensington and Chelsea, Greenwich, and Southwark are among the most popular boroughs for visitors.
Conclusion
This complete list of boroughs and areas in London provides an easy reference for anyone exploring Greater London. Whether you’re planning a trip, relocating, or simply learning about London’s geography, understanding the difference between boroughs and local areas can help you navigate the city more easily.
